The editors at the American Library Association's Booklist publication have come out with their picks of Top Books for Young Readers for 2010. We have rearranged them according to reading level for those who would like to use these as practice readers. (They can be read aloud too!)
======= Level 1's =======
Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! By Grace Lin**Starred Review** School Library Journal
Plot Description: Ling and Ting are twins. They like to stick together. They get haircuts and they make dumplings. They do magic tricks and they read books. They stick together and look alike. But they are not exactly the same.
- Hardcover: 48 pages
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- ISBN-10: 031602452X
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Technical StuffWord Count: 887Reading Level: 1.8Accelerated Reader: reading level: 1.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 137469
Nini Lost and FoundBy Anita LobelPlot Description: One beautiful autumn day, Nini, a little tabby cat, sees that the door is open. The garden and nearby woods seem to beckon her to explore. Nini thinks the great outdoors is really, really, really nice . . . until night falls and strange animals begin sniffing and hooting and lurking about. Suddenly there is no place like home. This warm and reassuring picture book speaks to children whose curiosity has tempted them to “run away” from home. Caldecott Honor Book artist Anita Lobel’s illustrations have never been more beautiful. Endearing portraits of her own beloved Nini cat in a lush autumnal setting will gladden the hearts of cat lovers of all ages. - Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
- ISBN-10: 0375858806
- Look Inside
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Technical StuffWord Count: 414Reading Level: 1.8Accelerated Reader: reading level: 1.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139423======= Level 2's =======
Big Red LollipopBy Rukhsana KhanIllus. by Sophie Blackall**A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book for 2010**Plot Description: Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince Ami that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a red lollipop. What's a fed-up big sister to do?
Rukhsana Khan's clever story and Sophie Blackall's irresistible illustrations make for a powerful combination in this fresh and surprising picture book.
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Viking Juvenile
- ISBN-10: 0670062871
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Technical StuffWord Count: 821Reading Level: 2.2Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 134832Lexile: AD410L
City Dog, Country FrogBy Mo WillemsIllus. by Jon J Muth**Starred Review** School Library JournalPlot Description: In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. "You'll do," Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog's rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.
Mo Willems' spare, poignant text and Jon J. Muth's expressive watercolors team up to present a reflection on the natural course of friendship--and life--that will resonate with readers of all ages.- Hardcover: 64 pages
- Publisher: Hyperion
- ISBN-10: 1423103009
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 333Reading Level: 2.3Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 137464
Rain School
By James Rumford
Plot Description: But when he and the other children arrive at the schoolyard, they find no classroom, no desks. Just a teacher. "We will build our school," she says. "This is our first lesson."
James Rumford, who lived in Chad as a Peace Corps volunteer, fills these pages with the vibrant colors of Africa and the spare words of a poet to show how important learning is in a country where only a few children are able to go to school
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
- ISBN-10: 0547243073
- Look Inside
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Technical StuffWord Count: 451Reading Level: 2.5Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 140157
Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected DiversionBy Mo Willems Plot Description: Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans?
An emotional tour de force, Knuffle Bunny Free concludes one of the most beloved picture-book series in recent memory, with pitchperfect text and art, photos from around the world, and a stunning foldout spread, culminating in a hilarious and moving surprise that no child or parent will be able to resist.
Bestselling, award-winning author Mo Willems has created an epic love story as only he can, filled with the joys and sadness of growing up —and the unconditional love that binds a father, mother, daughter, and a stuffed bunny.
Technical StuffWord Count: 628Reading Level: 2.7Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.7 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139483
Miss Lina’s BallerinasBy Grace MaccaroneIllus. by ChristinePlot Description: In four rows of two, Miss Lina’s eight ballerinas—Christina, Edwina, Sabrina, Justina, Katrina, Bettina, Marina, and Nina—dance to the park, at the zoo, and even while doing their schoolwork. They are one perfect act, but when Miss Lina introduces Regina, a new girl, the group of nine’s steps become a mess.
Technical StuffWord Count: 341Reading Level: 2.9Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.9 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 140502
======= Generic 2's =======
Sleepover at Gramma’s HouseBy Barbara JoosseIllus. by Jan JuttePlot Description: Going to Gramma’s takes plenty of preparation. Granddaughter packs her overnighty trunk and says goodbye to Mom, Dad, little fish and baby in the bed. She can’t wait to see her silly millie gramma! Together at last, the two spend a day full of dancing, painting each other and partying with a razzle and a dazzle before, finally, resting together in a ricky rocky swing. What a day! Barbara Joosse’s spirited text combined with Jan Jutte’s lively illustrations create this delightful story. Full of engaging, bouncy language that zips right along, this is an original picture book that captures the loving relationship between a young-hearted gramma and her enthusiastic granddaughter.
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Philomel
- ISBN-10: 0399252614
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Technical StuffReading Level: generic 2
======= Level 3's =======
Clever Jack Takes the CakeBy Candace Fleming0 Illus. by G. Brian Karas**Starred Review** School Library JournalPlot Description: Take a bite out of this deliciously funny original fairy tale by a bestselling picture-book duo!
What would you do if you were invited to the princess’s tenth birthday party but didn’t have money for a gift? Well, clever Jack decides to bake the princess a cake.
Now he just has to get it to the castle in one piece. What could possibly go wrong?
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
- ISBN-10: 0375849793
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Technical StuffWord Count: 1,384Reading Level: 3.8Accelerated Reader: reading level: 3.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 138712======= Generic 3's =======
Snook AloneBy Marilyn NelsonIllus. by Timothy Basil EringPlot Description: Abba Jacob is a monk who lives on a far, far away island with his loyal rat terrier, Snook. Every day, from the wee hours of dawn till the sun sets over the sea, Snook keeps Abba Jacob company as he prays or works, tending the gardens or fixing the plumbing of the little hermitage he calls home. But when the two are separated by a ferocious storm, Snook must learn to fend for himself in the wild, all alone in a world of fierceness and wonder. Will he ever again hear the loving voice that he waits for? Simply and lyrically told by award-winning poet Marilyn Nelson and beautifully illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering with wit, warmth, and affection for the natural world, this captivating tale of friendship lost and found conveys the power of faith against all odds.
Technical StuffReading Level: generic 3
There’s Going to Be a BabyBy John BurninghamIllus. by Helen OxenburyPlot Description: From two of the world's best-loved picture-book creators, an absolute gem for new-siblings-to-be. When is the baby coming? What will we call it? What will the baby do? We don't really need the baby, do we? As the arrival of a new sibling draws nearer, the questions that stream through a young child's mind are followed with sensitivity and humour in this enchanting book. Exquisitely illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, these pages brim with love, excitement and reassurance as the child in the story imagines all kinds of colourful futures for the brother or sister he is waiting to meet. Full of warmth and promise, this is an instant and timeless classic. It is the first book-publishing collaboration of this award-winning husband-and-wife team. Oozing with loving interaction between parent and child, and with unspoken - yet palpable - reassurance.
Technical StuffReading Level: generic 3
======= Level 4's =======
A Pig Parade Is a Terrible IdeaBy Michael Ian Black. Illus. by Kevin HawkesExplains precisely why, although it may sound like a good idea, gathering hundreds of pigs to march in a parade through one's hometown is inadvisable.
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
- ISBN-10: 1416979220
- Look Inside
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Technical StuffWord Count: 600Reading Level: 4.4Accelerated Reader: reading level: 4.4 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139676For other Lists of Great 2010 Books see:Got Holiday Money? Six Great New Books to Buy in Early 2011Best Books for Kids - Pam's Picks for 2010Best Middle-School books of 2010 - Shan's PicksBest Picture Books of 2010 - Shan's PicksAward Winning Books for Kids - The Newbery Winners!Top 100 Children’s Books - Teachers and Parents PickChildren Pick: Top 100 Books for Kids
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